MAKIA Surpasses Revenue Target, Records N20.83 Billion in 2024 – Airport Manager Unveils Bold Expansion Vision
The Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) has exceeded its 2024 revenue target by a significant margin, recording a total of over N20.83 billion against the projected N17.3 billion. This was disclosed by the Regional Manager of the airport, Comrade Ahmed Danjuma, during an interactive session with aviation journalists in Kano.
Danjuma expressed optimism that the airport is well on track to outperform its targets for the current year, stating that the first quarter of 2025 has already shown promising indicators. “We surpassed our 2024 revenue target by over N3.8 billion,” he announced, attributing the achievement to increased passenger and cargo movements as well as strategic revenue initiatives.
According to the regional manager, MAKIA recorded robust activity in April 2025 alone. Domestic passenger traffic included 20,472 inbound travellers and 21,278 outbound, while the international section saw 18,687 inbound and 6,787 outbound passengers.
In terms of cargo movement, the airport handled 16,176 tonnes of domestic cargo in April, alongside 788,359 units of import cargo and 161,367 units of exports through the international wing.
The domestic terminal of MAKIA currently serves airlines such as Max Air, Air Peace, Rano Airlines, United Nigeria Airlines, Umza Air, and Aero Contractors.
On the international front, Qatar Airways, Saudi Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, EgyptAir, and Max Air operate regular flights in and out of the airport.
Danjuma highlighted that the airport’s strategic location at the heart of Kano city provides a natural advantage for growth, business partnerships, and passenger convenience.
The airport management, according to Danjuma, is now turning its attention towards expanding non-aeronautical sources of income.
“I actually have an ambitious plan for this airport. I have seen the potentials associated with it, and there are ways we can improve revenue generation – particularly from non-aero sources,” he noted.
In this vein, the airport has recently allocated land for the construction of a hotel within the domestic terminal area. Danjuma revealed that discussions are ongoing with business owners in Kano to further develop unused spaces within the airport, including a previously abandoned private lounge.
On the current status of the airport infrastructure, Danjuma confirmed that both the domestic and international terminals are fully operational.
He noted that domestic operations have been temporarily moved to the old international terminal due to ongoing renovations at the Dankabo Terminal.
He also addressed the collapsed POP ceiling, attributing it to persistent roof leakage over the past two years.
He stressed that while the structure is old and maintenance is challenging, temporary repairs are being undertaken to improve the building’s appearance and functionality.
Regarding air conditioning issues, Danjuma disclosed that most of the cooling systems in the current domestic terminal have been in use for nearly 17 years. “When I assumed office, most of the units at the arrival and waiting lounges were not functioning. We have managed to revive several units at the waiting lounge,” he explained.
Speaking on staff welfare, Danjuma revealed that the airport has a workforce of approximately 1,255 personnel. He noted that meetings had been held with staff unions to address the lack of shuttle transport between the airport and the city.
Plans are underway to introduce official staff shuttle buses and to register independent shuttle operators to curb the high transport fares currently charged by commercial operators.
Danjuma raised concerns over the ageing runway, stating that the pavement has outlived its lifespan by about 14 years. “The Managing Director of FAAN has assured us that Kano has been captured for runway resurfacing,” he said. “Contractors have started taking samples and measurements, and we are hopeful the work will commence soon.”
He added that until full resurfacing is done, the airport will continue to undertake palliative measures to ensure the runway remains safe for flight operations.
Danjuma commended the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), sister agencies, and security personnel for their collaborative efforts in ensuring the airport’s safety and operational success.
He also lauded the ongoing construction of a new terminal building, which he described as a “fantastic edifice” that will significantly enhance the working environment for staff and the travel experience for passengers once completed.
Looking ahead, Danjuma is confident that with continued support and innovative development, MAKIA will not only surpass its financial targets but also emerge as a leading hub in the Nigerian aviation landscape.
